(South Padre Island, TX) Oct. 23, 2009 - Fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs have a great reason to spend the Thanksgiving holiday weekend on the white, sandy beaches of tropical South Padre Island, Texas! Tickets are now available for the fans of the Monarchs to attend the 5th Annual South Padre Island Invitational Basketball Tournament, slated for Nov. 27-28 at the SPI Convention Centre. Island officials are urging fans to make hotel reservations now.

The Monarchs will face the University of Missouri at Columbia Tigers Nov. 27) and either Mississippi State University or the University of Richmond (Nov. 28). Tournament passes are limited and can be ordered through the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site at www.sopadre.com, or by calling the Convention Centre Box Office at (888) 774-8587. Rounds one and two will be played at the University of Missouri, the University of Richmond, Mississippi State University and Old Dominion University. The final two rounds of the tournament will be played Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28 at the South Padre Island Convention Centre on beautiful South Padre Island.

While Monarchs fans cheer on their team, they can also make time to enjoy the warm, sunny temperatures and scenic views of the South Padre Island beaches. While there, basketball fans and Island goers can:

Bask in the warmth or take a horseback ride at sunset on "one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S.," according to Men's Fitness Magazine.

Take part in a full range of watersports, including windsurfing, kiteboarding and paddleboarding.

Get into the holiday spirit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus at The Lighting of the Island, Friday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.

Do some holiday shopping at the Christmas Mercado, Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. next to Louie's Backyard.

South Padre's 34-mile long tropical island offers a warm, comfortable climate year-round in an easily-accessible destination at the southern tip of Texas. This Thanksgiving, come be yourself on South Padre Island. For information on tickets and accommodations on South Padre Island, call the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau at (956) 761-3005, 1-800-SOPADRE, or visit www.sopadre.com.